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A home by the sea does not always begin with the idea of a holiday. Sometimes it starts with imagining a slower morning, a different rhythm, a place you can come back to. Durrës gives room for thoughts like these.
IN SHORT
- Durrës is one of Albania’s oldest cities, founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BC.
- Its Roman amphitheatre, a few steps from the sea, is one of the largest in the Balkans.
- The sandy beach is about 4 km long and the sea deepens gradually; Golem beach continues the same coast.
- As Albania’s most important seaport, it is a working city all year, not only a holiday place.
A city with a long history
Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania. Greek settlers founded it in the 7th century BC, arriving from Corinth and Corcyra (Corfu), and called it Epidamnos. In Roman times it was known as Dyrrhachium and became one of the largest and richest cities on the Adriatic.
You can still see some of this today. The city’s Roman amphitheatre is one of the largest in the Balkans, and estimates say it held 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. It stands in the middle of the city, a few steps from the sea. It was discovered in the 1960s, and only part of it has been excavated. If you like a place with history next to it, you will find it here.
The coast
The beach at Durrës is about 4 km long and sandy, and the sea deepens gradually. The Golem beach is a continuation of the Durrës coast. On such a long stretch of shore the rhythm can be different: you can walk for longer and you do not need to plan hurried days.
A port city
Durrës is the most important seaport in Albania. This means it is not only a holiday place, but a working, living city, where the sea is part of everyday life. If you are looking for a coastal way of life, this difference is worth keeping in mind: a city that works all year round is not the same as one that only opens in summer.
Ferries sail to Durrës from Bari. You can compare sailings and prices in one place.
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If you fly into Tirana and would like to rent a car, you can compare offers in one place.
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What to think through
Imagining life by the sea is not yet a decision. It helps to ask questions: how you would use the home, how much time you would spend there, and in what rhythm. If an Albanian property comes into the picture, it is wise to go through the purchase process and the costs with a local lawyer and with official sources. We are happy to help you see the next steps, but we do not push.
If you would like to see which Albanian properties are available, have a look at our listings.
Next: if you would like to picture it through one specific apartment, our next piece presents a first-line apartment in Durrës: The sea begins at the terrace.
Sources (checked: 11 November 2026): Encyclopaedia Britannica: Durrës; Albanian National Tourism Agency: Durrës Amphitheatre; Ferryscanner: ferries to and from Durrës.
